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The 27-year-old, who returned from a 20-month ban last March after being caught taking drugs while finishing second at the 2008 Tour de France, is also facing disciplinary proceedings from Italy's anti-doping body.

"On February 19 the Vacansoleil-DCM team fired Ricco with immediate effect," a statement from the Dutch team said.

"Last Tuesday February 8th the team started an internal investigation regarding the hospitalisation of Mr Ricco. The breach of internal rules and other indications justify this measure. The team outlines that it follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of doping."